Detachable Medical Device System

ABSTRACT

A case for a mobile device including a back section and a first front section and a second front section, the first front section being adapted for connection to and separation from the second front section and the back section including an opening for receiving a mobile device; a receiving space located within the first front section and second front section for receiving an injection device, wherein the injection device is at least partially visible when the second section is detached from the first section; a release latch located on one or more of the first front section and second front section for facilitating separation of the second front section from the first front section; and a connector portion for connecting the back section to the first and second front sections.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present teachings are directed to medical devices for connection toand integration with mobile devices. More specifically, the presentteachings relate to auto-injection devices for connecting to a mobiledevice.

BACKGROUND

Epinephrine auto-injectors (EAI) are life-saving medical devices used bythe over 15 million Americans that suffer from food allergies during ananaphylactic reaction. An epinephrine auto injector (EAI) is anemergency injection (“shot”) of epinephrine. This medicine is used forlife-threatening allergic reactions such as severe swelling, breathingproblems, or loss of blood pressure. Allergic, or anaphylactic reactionscan be caused by stinging and biting insects, allergy injections, food,medicines, exercise, or other known and/or unknown causes.

EAIs are normally stored in individual protective cases in doses of 0.15mg to 0.3 mg depending on written prescription. Due to the variousresponses that patients have from the use of the medication, it isrecommended to carry two EAIs.

Similarly, injections of insulin or other medications may be required bythe over 30 million people in the United States that suffer fromdiabetes. Without the injection of insulin, a diabetic may experiencesevere hypoglycemia, or diabetic shock, which can be life threatening.Therefore, diabetics carry insulin on their person in case of low bloodsugar. Insulin is available in an auto injector cartridge for quick use.However, insulin must be stored between 56° F. and 80° F. for cartridgeswhich are in current use. Because insulin injections are required by alarge proportion of people with diabetes, it is necessary to keepinsulin nearby at all times.

Inhalers are medical devices used for delivering medication into thebody via the lungs. The inhalers may release a medication in aerosol,powder, or liquid form. The inhalers may release the medication inmetered doses (i.e., releases a fixed dose of the medication per eachuse). Inhalers may be used to treat asthma, influenza, allergies,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the like. Inhalers may beused on a set dosage/time interval or in emergencies, such as during anasthma attack. Thus it is recommended users of inhalers carry an inhaleror have one in close proximity. Some types of inhalers provide metereddoses of medication

A common issue is that auto injectors and inhalers may not be readilyavailable when needed. Another issue is that auto injectors and inhalersmay expire without the knowledge of the user. A further issue withinhalers may be that the user is unaware how many doses are left foruse. In addition, there are often caregivers, including physicians,nurses and family members who wish to monitor medication use of anindividual, especially when that individual is a child or someone who iselderly.

Based upon the foregoing concerns, it would be useful to develop a meansby which an auto injector and/or inhaler may be consistently availableto a user. It would further be useful to notify the user of expiration,remaining doses, or other information about the auto injector and/orinhaler.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present teachings effectively resolve the aforementioneddeficiencies by providing a device for connecting a medical device (e.g.auto-injector, inhaler, or other medical treatment device/container) toa mobile device. The device described herein not only attaches to amobile device but is capable of sharing information with a mobile deviceto which it is connected (e.g. via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near fieldcommunication (NFC), or some combination thereof).

The teachings herein provide for a mobile device accessory systemcomprising a case portion, the case portion including a back section anda first front section and a second front section, the first frontsection being adapted for connection to and separation from the secondfront section and the back section including an opening for receiving amobile device, a receiving space located within the first front sectionand second front section for receiving an injection device, wherein theinjection device is at least partially visible when the second sectionis detached from the first section, a release latch located on one ormore of the first front section and second front section forfacilitating separation of the second front section from the first frontsection, and a connector portion for connecting the back section to thefirst and second front sections.

The teachings herein further provide that the release latch may comprisea button portion. The back section may include an edge that engages in afriction fit with a mobile device. One or more of the back section andfirst and second front sections may be formed of a heat-resistivematerial. The system may include a communication device to communicatewith an application or software on a computing device. The first andsecond front sections may be removably attached to the back section. Theconnector portion may be adapted to directly contact the first frontsection. The connector portion may be free of any direct contact withthe second front section. The first and second front sections may beconnected to one another via a friction fit. The first and second frontsections may be connected to one another via a mechanical fastener.

The release latch may slide from a first position to a second positionso that the first and second front sections are separated from oneanother. The release latch may be depressed to separate the first frontsection from the second front section. The release latch may be locatedon the first front section.

The system may include one or more vent portions. The system may includea locking device for maintaining the injection device within the firstand second front portions until accessed. The system may include atemperature sensor. The system may include a mobile application. Themobile application may be adapted for one or more oft permitting accessto the injector; notifying a user's care circle if the injector has beenaccessed; notifying a user if the medication within the injector isexpired; notifying a user if the injector has malfunctioned; ornotifying a user if the temperature within the case portion exceeds apre-determined temperature limit.

It is also possible that a portion of the device that contacts theinjector may comprise a polyethylene terephthalate, a polypropylene,polyamide, polyethylene, an aerogel, a silicone, a metallizedpolyethylene terephthalate, a metallized polypropylene, a metallizedpolyamide, a metalized polyethylene or some combination thereof. Theconnector portion may include a mechanical fastening means, and adhesivefastening means, a magnetic fastening means or some combination thereof.The injector may include more than one dose of medication.

The teachings herein also envision a method for forming a mobile devicecase comprising providing first and second separable front sections,separating the first and second front sections, locating an injectorinto one or more of the first and second front sections, connecting thefirst and second front sections to one another, and attaching a backsection to first and second front sections, wherein the back section isin direct contact with the first front section.

The method may also include locating a mobile device into direct contactwith the back section. The method may include separating the first andsecond front sections from one another to access the injector.

The present teachings are further directed to a detachable medicaldevice, such as an auto-injector or other medication-containing device,sized to fit into a smartphone case which will communicate with a mobileapplication via radio frequency based technology (e.g. Bluetooth, wi-fi,NFC). In the event that the device is used during a life-threateningemergency, the assisting mobile application may send alert messages toemergency services as well as a user's “Care Circle” (family, friends,caregivers, medical professional, etc.) that will include their currentlocation. Furthermore, users may be sent push notifications whenever themedication is approaching its expiration date to meet patient adherence.

In an effort to address maintaining the thermostability of themedication located within the medical device, the material of the devicefor connecting the medical device to the mobile device may be selectedto assist in protecting the medicine (e.g. epinephrine, insulin, and thelike) from extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, humidity,precipitation). The material for forming the device may be a polymericmaterial, a carbon-based material, the like, or a combination thereof.More specifically it may be polyethylene terephthalate material, such asa metallized polyethylene terephthalate (MPET) or a graphite material,such as a pyrolytic graphite sheet (PGS). A phase change material (PCM)may be used with the MPET, PGS, or a combination thereof. The device maybe formed so that multiple layers of the material for protecting themedical device will be placed around the medical device. The medicaldevice may be shaped to fit on the back of any mobile device. It ispossible that one attachment device may be adjustable to fit a varietyof mobile device. Alternatively, it may also be possible that theattachment devices are shaped to fit a specific brand and/or model ofmobile device. The attachment device may be formed as a mobile devicecase in that it would replace a traditional mobile device case. It isalso possible that the attachment device may be formed to fit onto anexisting mobile device case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a portion of an exemplary phone case in accordance with thepresent teachings.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary injector being removed from the phone case ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary phone case in accordancewith the present teachings.

FIG. 4 shows the phone case of FIG. 3 as the injector is being ejected

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary injector being removed from the phone case ofFIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 shows a top down view of an exemplary phone case in accordancewith the present teachings.

FIG. 7 shows a side profile view of phone case of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 shows a top down view of an exemplary phone case in accordancewith the present teachings.

FIG. 9 shows a side profile view of the phone case of FIG. 8

FIG. 10 shows a top down view of an exemplary phone case in accordancewith the present teachings.

FIG. 11 is a top down view of the phone case of FIG. 10 with a portionremoved.

FIG. 12A is a cross section view of an exemplary injector in accordancewith the present teachings.

FIG. 12B is a cross section view of the injector of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C is a cross section view of the injector of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12D is a cross section view of the injector of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a cross section view of an exemplary injector in accordancewith the present teachings.

FIG. 13B is a cross section view of an exemplary injector in accordancewith the present teachings.

FIG. 13C is a cross section view of an exemplary injector in accordancewith the present teachings.

FIG. 14 is rear elevational view an of an exemplary phone case inaccordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 15 is a top down view of the phone case of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16A is a side profile view of an exemplary phone case in accordancewith the present teachings.

FIG. 16B is a top down view of the phone case of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the phone case of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the phone case of FIG. 16A,

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the phone case of FIG. 16A shown in aseparated arrangement.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the phone case of FIG. 18A shown in aseparated arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present teachings meet one or more of the above needs by theimproved devices and methods described herein. The explanations andillustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilledin the art with the teachings, its principles, and its practicalapplication. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the teachingsin its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of aparticular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the presentteachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limitingof the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, bedetermined not with reference to the above description, but shouldinstead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Thedisclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned fromthe following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by referenceinto this written description.

This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of United StatesProvisional Application Nos. 62/458,223, filed Feb. 13, 2017;62/488,657, filed Mar. 8, 2017; 62/506,829, filed May 16, 2017;62/527,520, filed Jun. 30, 2017; 62/547,199, filed Aug. 18, 2017; and62/586,274, filed Nov. 15, 2017, the contents of these applicationsbeing hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

The teachings herein are directed to a device for facilitating thecarrying of a medical device in concert with a mobile device. Themedical device may be any medical device carrying fast-acting ornecessary medicine. The medical device may contain temperature sensitivematerial. The medical device may include an epinephrine auto injector(EAI), an inhaler, an insulin auto-injector (IAI), and/or the like. Theepinephrine or other medication may be in the form of a nasal spray.More particularly, the teachings are directed to an attachment devicecapable of attaching to a mobile device that includes a space forholding a medical device, which may be an EAI, an inhaler, an IAI, orthe like. The medical device may be integrated into the attachmentdevice. The medical device may be removably attachable to the attachmentdevice. Mobile devices may include computing devices small enough to beheld and operated by a hand of an individual, include mobile technologywhich uses radio waves to transmit and receive data (e.g., 3G, 4G,Bluetooth, wi-fi, near field communication). Mobile devices may includemobile phones, smartphones, tablet computers, the like, or anycombination thereof.

The teachings herein provide for a mobile device accessory systemcomprising a case portion. The case portion may include a back sectionand a front portion or cover. The front portion may include a firstfront section and a second front section, the first front section beingadapted for connection to and separation from the second front sectionand the back section including an opening for receiving a mobile device.A receiving space may be located within the first front section andsecond front section for receiving an injection (or other medication)device, wherein the injection device is at least partially visible whenthe second section is detached from the first section. A release latchor button (which may be spring loaded) is located on one or more of thefirst front section and second front section for facilitating separationof the second front section from the first front section. A connectorportion may be present for connecting the back section to the first andsecond front sections.

The teachings herein further provide that the release latch may comprisea button portion. The back section may include an edge that engages in afriction fit with a mobile device. The first and second front sectionsmay be removably attached to the back section. The connector portion maybe adapted to directly contact the first front section. The connectorportion may be free of any direct contact with the second front section.The first and second front sections may be connected to one another viaa friction fit. The first and second front sections may be connected toone another via a mechanical fastener.

The release latch may slide from a first position to a second positionso that the first and second front sections are separated from oneanother. The release latch may be depressed to separate the first frontsection from the second front section. The release latch may be locatedon the first front section.

The attachment device described herein may also take into considerationadditional accessories that may be utilized with a mobile device (forexample, headphones, wireless charging device, cases, or otheraccessories). For example, the attachment device may be a smart phonecase. The smart phone case may include a front cover which is foldable.The front cover may be detachable from the phone case. The foldablefront cover may be configured as a wallet to hold identification cards,credit cards, health insurance cards, cash and the like.

Further, in an attempt to protect the medical device or medicationlocated therein from environmental factors, specific materials may beutilized in forming the attachment device. It is also possible that themedical device itself may include a coating or wrap of a materialselected to protect it from environmental factors. As one specificexample, in an effort to address the thermostability of the medication,materials such as MPET, PGS, PCM, aerogel (e.g., silica or metal oxideaerogels), BoPET, silicone or a combination thereof may be utilized forforming the attachment device. In addition, or as an alternative method,each medical device may be wrapped in the MPET, PGS, PCM, aerogel,BoPET, silicone or a combination of thereof. For example, the MPET maybe used to reflect thermal radiation from the surrounding environment ofthe attachment device, the wrap, or both. The PGS may be used todisperse thermal energy throughout the attachment device, the wrap, orboth. Additionally, the MPET and the PGS may be combined with a PCM,which may be used to store and dissipate thermal energy based on thephase change characteristics of the material. The combination of theMPET, PGS, and PCM contribute to the regulation of the temperature ofthe medical device, such that the medical device does not exceed or fallbelow the prescribed storage range, preventing the decomposition of themedicine within the medical device. The materials may be layered tomaximize the thermal characteristics to provide the most consistenttemperature range for storing the medical device.

The attachment device may also be fitted with a communication device toallow communication between the attachment device and the mobile deviceto which it is attached (or alternatively another mobile device). It ispossible that the medical device located into the attachment device maybe scanned by a mobile device prior to locating the medical devicewithin the attachment device. This scanning may proceed with theassistance of a mobile application. By scanning the medical device, themobile application may recognize and save relevant information such asregistration numbers, expiration date, dosage amount, storagerequirements, the like, or a combination thereof. For example, thescanned information may include a medical device's registration number,the expiration date of the medicine within the medical device, and thedosage amount of the medical device.

The attachment device may allow for communication with emergencyservices, contacts of the users, or both. The attachment device maydetect an emergency contact indicator. The emergency contact indicatormay include removal of the medical device, a user attempting to removethe medical device, or both. Upon detecting the emergency contactindicator, the attachment device in combination with the mobileapplication may initiate contacting emergency services, contacts of theusers, or both. Contacting may include sending a signal to the mobiledevice to which the attachment device is affixed to, such as throughBLE, wi-fi, NFC, or similar technology. Contacting may includeinstructing the mobile device to contact emergency services and/oremergency contacts, such as through BLE, wi-fi, NFC, or similartechnology. Emergency services may include emergency dispatchingservices, such as 911 and other international equivalents. Emergencycontacts may include family, friends, caregivers, medical professionalspre-identified by the user as emergency contacts, such as the users“Care Circle”. Any communication or signals between the attachmentdevice, mobile device, emergency services, and/or emergency contacts maybe compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and AccountabilityAct (HIPAA compliant). To be HIPAA compliant, the communication orsignals may be sent via any communication platform or protocol which isHIPAA compliant, such as the RapidSOS™ platform. Additionally, themobile application may provide the user with referrals to medicalprofessionals nearby. For example, the mobile application may refer auser with food allergies to an allergist that is within a specifieddistance from the user's location.

Users may also be sent push notifications whenever the medication isapproaching its expiration date to meet patient adherence. Trainingvideos on how to use the medical device (e.g. an EAI, an IAI, aninhaler, or the like) may also be included in the notification.

Users may also create food allergy profiles for themselves as well astheir family/household. The profile may preferably include what anindividual is specifically allergic to. The mobile application may thenallow users to share the profiles with all necessary parties (schools,other parents/guardians, events, etc.).

The mobile application may also allow users to scan foods while shoppingto determine if they, or anyone else in their family is allergic to agiven item. To scan the foods, the user targets and scans the UPCbarcode on a product. Once scanned, the mobile application searches forthe product's full ingredients list and immediately displays the fulllist of ingredients, including allergens, in the product.

The mobile application allows the user to create a curated list ofallergy-filtered recipes. The mobile application provides a searchingfunction which allows the user to select a type of recipe and thenfilter the list of recipes by specific allergies. Once the user selectsa desired recipe, the recipe details populate on the screen to show theuser the ingredients. The selected recipe may also include a link to awebsite for further information about the recipe, such as preparationinstructions. If the user decides the recipe is worth keeping, themobile application allows the user to save the recipe in the applicationfor later use and further, delete recipes from the list which the userno longer wishes to save.

The attachment device (e.g., phone case), the medical device, or bothmay include one or more sensing devices. The sensing devices may senseone or more physical conditions of the medical device, such astemperature, presence, installation, removal or use of the medicaldevice. The sensing devices may sense the amount of a medication usedand/or available within the medical device. The one or more sensingdevices may communicate with a mobile device, such as through wirelesstechnology (e.g., BLE, wi-fi, NFC, or similar technology). The mobiledevice may then use the information to track usage of the medicaldevice, determine doses used of the medical device, and/or determinedoses remaining in the medical device. The one or more sensing devicesmay include one or more cartridge sensors, temperature sensors, thelike, or combination thereof.

The attachment device, medical device, or both may include one or moresubsystems. Subsystems may include an electronics system, communicationsystem, thermal maintenance system, security system, or any combinationthereof.

An electronics system may include one or more microcontrollers, powersources, circuit boards, fuses, switches, sensing devices, the like, orany combination thereof. The one or more microcontrollers may be anN-bit microcontroller, such as an 8-bit, 32-bit, or the like. The one ormore microcontrollers may have or be attached to one or moreperipherals, such as a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter(UART), Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART),Inter-integrated circuit (I2C), Analog to Digital Converter (ADC), thelike, or any combination thereof. The one or more sensing devices mayinclude one or more temperature sensors. The temperature sensor may beany device capable of sensing and/or determining a temperature of themedical device or medication within the medical device. The one or moretemperature sensors may include an analog sensor, digital sensor, diodesensor, thermistor sensor, resistive temperature detector, the like, orany combination thereof. The one or more sensing devices may include amedical device sensor The medical device sensor may be any sensorcapable of sensing introduction, presence, and/or removal of a medicaldevice. The medical device sensor may include a switch contact, opticalbeam break, capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, the like, or anycombination thereof. The one or more power sources may be any powersource capable of power the device or connecting the device to a powersource. The one or more power sources may have any power or lifeexpectancy suitable for use. The one or more power sources may include acoin cell, a rechargeable battery, charging circuitry, the like, or anycombination thereof. The one or more fuses and/or switches may includeone or more thermal fuses, thermal switches, or both. The thermal fuseor switch may be any fuse or switch capable of preventing overheating ofthe device, the medical device, or both. The thermal fuse and/or thermalswitch may be a one-time use or multiple-use fuse or switch. The thermalfuse and/or thermal switch may be reset manually or automatically.

A thermal subsystem may include any system capable of maintaining atemperature condition of the medical device such that the medication isnot exposed to certain temperature conditions (e.g., extreme hot or coldwhich impacts effectiveness of the medication). The thermal subsystemmay function to reflect and dissipate heat and radiation from themedical device. The thermal subsystem may prevent heat transferring froma mobile device to the medical device. The thermal subsystem may includeone or more materials of the attachment device, one or more physicalcharacteristics of the attachment device, one or more heat exchangers,or a combination thereof. The one or more materials may have a lowthermal conductivity. The one or more materials may have a light colorto reduce heat absorption. A holding area (i.e., cartridge cavity) maybe lined with a heat resistant material, such as the MPET or PGS. TheMPET and/or PGS may include a PCM, which thermally stores and releasesenergy in a pre-determined temperature range to provide thermostabilitywithin the target temperature range for the storage of the medicaldevice. The PCM may be salt hydrates, petroleum based material, biobasedmaterial, or a combination thereof. The thermal subsystem may bearranged in layers for providing consistent thermostable temperature,utilizing the different properties of the different materials. Thethermal subsystem may include one or more heat exchangers.

The one or more heat exchangers may include one or more venting systems,such as vent ports; one or more Peltier devices, one or more fans, thelike, or any combination thereof. The one or more heat exchangers mayactively monitor and maintain the temperature within the holding area.The material choice and layering, in combination with the one or moreheat exchangers may provide superior temperature regulation. The phonecase includes a plurality of venting ports. The venting ports arelocated between the holding area and the mobile device. The ventingports allow for heat dissipation from the mobile device such that theheat is not transferred to a medical device within the holding area.

The phone case includes a mobile device and a medical device holdingarea. The medical device holding area is able to receive or hold part ofa medical device, such as a cartridge for an auto-injector or at leastpart of an inhaler. Adjacent to and in contact with the holding area area cartridge sensor, thermal fuse, and temperature sensor. The cartridgesensor is able to sense the presence and/or removal of a medical device.The cartridge sensor may be able to sense a fully seated or installedposition of the medical device so that a user knows the medical deviceis proper seated within the case. The temperature sensor is able tosense a temperature or other physical condition of the medical deviceand/or surroundings of the medical device. The case may include anindependent power source or be affixed to a power source. The powersource may include a battery. Alternatively, or in combination with anindependent power source, the case may be powered by the mobile device.The case includes a microcontroller, radio frequency transmitter andreceiver, and battery mounted onto a printed circuit board (PCB).

The cartridge security system includes a back panel located over andcovering the holding area for a medical device. The back panel isaffixed to the exterior of the phone case via a slide lock. The slidelock is spring-loaded. The back panel or the phone case may include tabswhich further align and engage the back panel with the phone case. Aseal may be located about the opening for the holding area or about theback panel. The seal may prevent entry of contaminants into the holdingarea.

The attachment device (e.g., phone case), medical device, or both mayinclude a security system. The security system includes a system whichmay allow for insertion and removal of a medical device from theattachment device, prevent accidental removal of the medical device,and/or may be child/tamper proof. The security system may include one ormore doors and or panels which allow insertion or removal of a medicaldevice. The security system may include one or more locking mechanismsto maintain the one or more doors and or panels closed. One or morelocking mechanisms may include a slide lock, spring loaded slide lock, abutton, a multi-step button, the like, or any combination thereof. Theone or more security systems may include one or more springs tofacilitate removal of the medical device from the attachment device. Forexample, the security system is a multi-step button, where upondepressing the button to the first step releases the medical deviceholder from the phone case and further depressing the button to thesecond step shoots the needle of an auto-injector out of the medicaldevice holder such that a user would be able to administer the emergencymedicine. The security system may be mechanical, electromechanical, orelectrical. The security system may only be mechanical to avoid relianceon a power source. The security system may form a seal around a holdingarea. The seal may prevent contaminants (e.g., dust, dirt, debris,moisture, liquids) from entering the holding area to ensure the medicaldevice is sanitary.

The communication system may include one or more wired or wirelesscommunications systems. The one or more wired or wireless communicationssystems may include any radio frequency based transmitter or receiver,such as a wi-fi transmitter and receiver, a Bluetooth transmitter andreceiver, Bluetooth low energy (BLE) transmitter and receiver, nearfield communication (NFC) transmitter and receiver, or the like.

After releasing the injector, a 10 second countdown may occur, usingradio frequency based technology, the mobile app sends their locationdata immediately to emergency services no matter where they are, andworks internationally where 911 is not the emergency number. This alsoaction initiates the interaction of the phone case with the supportingmobile application which alerts the users “Care Circle” of the incident.If the medical device is unlocked from the device and is not used, theuser can disable the alerts and phone call with the tap of a button.Furthermore, during non-emergencies the medical device could be put backonto the back of the phone case.

In an effort to provide for safe use of the attachment device andassociated medical device, the device may be designed to utilize atwo-factor authentication. For example, two buttons on the phone casemay need to be pressed in order to release the medical device.

The medication may be separated from the phone case and yet still incommunication with and having the same functionality as if still withinthe phone case. For example, the medication may be located on akeychain.

The medication may be injected via a needle. The needle may delivermedication from an auto-injector to a user. The needle may be a bentneedle design. The bent needle design may allow for compact space usageof the case by the needle. The needle is includes a bevel at the end ofa shaft. The shaft bends at generally perpendicular angle, such astoward the medical device within the phone case. Generally perpendicularto the bevel is a force receiving portion of the needle. The forcereceiving portion may be affixed to a spring. The spring is able totransmit force a user applies to the phone case in case of an emergencyto project the bevel portion of the needle outside of the phone case andinto the user to allow transmission of the medication. After the springprojects the needle outside of the case, a receiving portion of theshaft is placed in communication with the medication to be dispensed.

FIG. 1 shows a phone case 10 including a cover 12 for covering theinjector (e.g., the medication). It displays two release latches 14 a,14 b. Both release latches or “buttons” would have to be pressed at thesame time to unlock the medical device. FIG. 2 illustrates anauto-injector 18 being detached from the phone case 10, and the cover 12for covering the injector. An opening 16 for receiving the injector isalso shown.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate a phone case including a cover 12 forcovering the injector 18 and a release latch 14 for releasing theinjector from an opening 16 within the case. A mobile device 20 is shownin the case 10.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict additional components that may be included in thephone case 10. The opening 16 for receiving the injector is shownincluding a temperature sensor 32, a thermal fuse 34, and a cartridgesensor 30. Located remote from the injector but on the back section 22of the case is a Bluetooth communication device 24, a microcontroller 26and a battery 28 for the case itself. The mobile device 20 is shown atFIG. 7 .

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict a case including a plurality of vents 36 adjacentthe opening 16 for receiving the injector. FIGS. 10 and 11 show anadditional embodiment of the case including a plurality of tabs 40 and aseal 38 about the injector. A back panel 42 is shown for carrying thetabs 40 and seal 38. The back panel is shown arranged over the opening16 for receiving the injector. A lock 44 is shown for maintaining theinjector within the case. A door 46 is shown for accessing the injector.

It is possible that the injector may be designed specifically for thephone case, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D and 13A-13C. More specifically, asshown in FIGS. 12A-12D, the injector includes springs 48, 50. Thesprings 48 react to a force 60 (60 a) exerted on the springs causing acartridge 58 containing medication 51 to move toward springs 50 forcausing the medication to be moved via the spring force 62 and to beexpelled through the needle 52 (shown including a shaft 54 and bevel56). As the cartridge 58 moves, the needle 52 also moves forward out ifthe injector. Once the medication is injected, a counter force 60 bcauses the needle 52 to retreat back into the injector.

FIGS. 13A-13C depict a variety of cartridge 58 and spring 50arrangements including medication 51 and needles 52 associated with theinjectors.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show an alternative embodiment of the present teachings,including a mobile device 20 shown within a case having an opening 16for receiving an injector, a cover 12 for the injector and a backsection 22 for connecting to the cover and for receiving the mobiledevice 20. A release latch 14 is also shown.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, 18 and 19 show an additional embodiment of thepresent teachings. The phone case is shown including a back section 22for receiving a mobile device 20. The back section 22 is removablyconnected to a front section (e.g., cover) 12 including a first frontsection 64 and a second front section 66. A release latch 14 is locatedonto the first front section 64. The first front section 64 and secondfront section 66 can be separated from one another as shown in FIG. 17A,revealing an injector located therein. Movement of the release latch 14(see FIGS. 17A and 178 ) determines whether the first and second frontportions are in a disconnected position (17A) or a connected position(178). A connector portion 68 connects the front section 12 to the backsection 22.

As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the teachings envision that anymember of a genus (list) may be excluded from the genus; and/or anymember of a Markush grouping may be excluded from the grouping.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist of, or consistessentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theinvention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

1: A mobile device accessory system for use with a mobile devicecomprising: a case portion including: (i) a back section and a firstfront section and a second front section, the first front section beingadapted for connection to and separation from the second front sectionand the back section including an opening for receiving a mobile device;(ii) a receiving space located within the first front section and secondfront section for receiving an injection device, wherein the injectiondevice is at least partially visible when the second section is detachedfrom the first section; (iii) a release latch located on one or more ofthe first front section and second front section for facilitatingseparation of the second front section from the first front section; and(iv) a connector portion for connecting the back section to the firstand second front sections a thermal subsystem disposed in a holding areathat prevents heat transfer between the case portion and the mobiledevice and including: (i) a heat resistant material with a PCM; (ii) oneor more heat exchangers including one or more venting systems, one ormore Peltier devices, one or more fans or any combination thereof; and(iii) a plurality of venting ports. 2: The mobile device accessorysystem of claim 1, wherein the PCM comprises salt hydrates,petroleum-based material, biobased material, or a combination thereof.3: The mobile device accessory system of claim 1, wherein the backsection includes an edge that engages in a friction fit with the mobiledevice. 4: The mobile device accessory system of claim 1, wherein one ormore of the back section and first and second front sections are formedof a heat-resistive material as part of the thermal subsystem. 5: Themobile device accessory system of claim 1, wherein the system includes acommunication device to communicate with an application or software on acomputing device. 6: The mobile device accessory system of claim 1,wherein one or more heat exchangers may actively monitor and maintain atemperature within a holding area. 7: The mobile device accessory systemof claim 4, wherein the connector portion is adapted to directly contactthe first front section. 8: The mobile device accessory system of claim1, wherein the connector portion is free of any direct contact with thesecond front section. 9: The mobile device accessory system of claim 1,wherein the first and second front sections are connected to one anothervia a friction fit. 10: The mobile device accessory system of claim 4,wherein the first and second front sections are connected to one anothervia a mechanical fastener. 11: The mobile device accessory system ofclaim 1, wherein the release latch slides from a first position to asecond position so that the first and second front sections areseparated from one another. 12: The mobile device accessory system ofclaim 1, wherein the release latch is depressed to spate the first frontsection from the second front section. 13: The mobile device accessorysystem of claim 1, wherein the release latch is located on the firstfront section. 14: The mobile device accessory system of claim 1,wherein the case includes an independent power source. 15: The mobiledevice accessory system of claim 1, wherein the system includes alocking device for maintaining the injection device within the first andsecond front portions until accessed. 16: The mobile device accessorysystem of claim 1, wherein the thermal subsystem includes a temperaturesensor. 17-24. (canceled)